Genbi Gorge

The dynamic beauty of nature’s formations and the rich colors of the four seasons are woven together in this valley.

Iwai River flowing from Mt. Kurikoma, the 2-km-long gorge offers scenery of oddly shaped rocks, monstrous rocks, waterfalls, and deep pools.

From the promenade, visitors can enjoy the contrasting scenery of “stillness” and “movement” of the wild upstream flow and the relaxing abyss downstream.

Genbikei Gorge is beautiful in every season.

In spring, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms in full bloom and melting snow, in summer they can stroll while listening to the cool murmur of the mountain stream, in autumn they can view the mountains colored with autumn leaves, and in winter the scenery is reminiscent of an ink painting.

The best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-October to mid-November, and the best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late April to early May.

A scenic spot that has been popular since ancient times

Genbikei Gorge is so enchanting in its beauty that Masamune Date, lord of the Sendai domain, praised it as one of the two most scenic spots in his territory, along with Matsushima.

It is a popular spot that attracts more than one million visitors a year, and is worth visiting throughout the year to enjoy the mysterious beauty of nature and the emerald-green water.

It is designated as a national scenic beauty spot and a natural monument.

Tasting with Flying Dango

One of the specialties of Genbikei Gorge is the Kakko Dango, also known as “flying dango. The store on the other side of the mountain stream has a special trick.

Visitors place payment in a basket connected to a wire rope at a rest area, the basket is pulled up, and the dango and tea come down.

The dumplings are usually in sets of three: an, sesame, and mitarashi, and you can also enjoy various flavors of dumplings.

The “kakko dango,” which look like flying dumplings, can be enjoyed along with the scenery of the valley.

Nearby is “Itsukushi Dango,” which also offers a full café menu, making it a great place to pick out souvenirs or just take a break. Try to find the dango of your choice.

Thrilling Suspension Bridge

Goranbabashi Bridge, the only suspension bridge in Genbikei Gorge, offers a spectacular view from the bridge.

Upstream of the bridge, powerful strange and huge rocks spread out, and downstream, calm abysses and other landscapes are spread out.

The unique thrill of the suspension bridge can be experienced as it sways with each step.

Nearby are Genbikei Hot Springs, potholes, Komatsudaki Kannondō Hall, Goranbabashi Bridge, Onsen Shrine, and Sadayama Cherry Blossoms, making a stroll around the area a must-see.

Genbikei Gorge is a scenic and natural monument that is attractive in all seasons, and is a popular spot representing the Ichinoseki area.